More Veterans Seek Help For Combat Stress

The number of veterans seeking support for combat stress has risen sharply over the past year, according to a specialist mental health charity.

Combat Stress, a charity for former service personnel, said it has received 2,264 referrals for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in 2014/15.

The figure represents a 26% rise on the previous year, when the charity received 1,802 referrals.

Director of medical services at Combat Stress, Dr Walter Busuttil, said: "We are very concerned at the significant rise in those coming forward with military PTSD.

"It is the biggest increase we have seen in recent years and we expect it to continue, so we want to build up our clinical services accordingly.

"The recent Budget announcement of increased funding for NHS veterans' mental health services is helpful, but as the need for specialist treatment appears to be expanding we will need additional funding and resources.

"The good news is that we do have treatments that work."

One veteran being treated by the charity, Lewis Smythe, told Sky News that after being put in a "life or death situation almost every day, he is surprised more people aren't looking for help".

"It is when you actually leave the army that you realise you are on your own. I was a bit of a lost soul," he said.

Combat Stress runs a six-week intensive treatment programme funded by the NHS to treat symptoms of PTSD, which can include flashbacks, depression, anger and anxiety.

Former military personnel receive a mixture of psychiatric support, with both individual and group sessions, plus trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy sessions.

It says veterans who have completed the course see an 87% reduction in PTSD and other mental health symptoms.

"The programme has three key elements," Dr Busuttil said.

"We provide group education about their symptoms, then group skills training to help them cope better, as well as individual TF-CBT to help them face up and process what has happened to them."

Combat Stress also provides a free 24-hour helpline for veterans, serving personnel and families on 0800 138 1619.